5 Common Mistakes That Could Affect a Car Accident Claim

The legal team at Silverman, McDonald, & Friedman, is here to protect your rights you when you have been injured in a car because of another driver’s negligence. We here to serve our clients who live in Seaford, Wilmington, and Newark. Please contact us for more information.

Accidents, by their nature, can happen at any moment. You will never be prepared, and you might not be sure what to do and what to avoid doing. Knowledge, as the saying goes, is power, so why not empower yourself and learn about how to avoid these five common mistakes that people make regarding a car accident claim:

1.    You gave a recorded statement before speaking to an attorney.

After the accident while you still had all that adrenaline coursing through your veins, and your hands were still shaky from the shock of having been involved in a car crash you are on the phone with the insurance company. Goodness knows what is coming out of your mouth. In the excitement of the moment, you may have said things that you will regret later. When you give a recorded statement without consulting with your lawyer first, your lawyer may have to spend some time doing damage control. Let your lawyer handle communication with the insurance company.

2.    You failed to call the police at the scene.

The accident might not have seemed to be that serious, but then later when you had to get the car towed to the mechanic, and you found out how much it was going to cost to fix it. Now, your lawyer is asking for the police report about the accident you do not know what to say.

In Delaware, you must report a motor vehicle accident to the police when there has been an injury or a death, when it occurs on a public highway and results in $500 or more in property damage, and when the accident involves a driver who seems to have been impaired by alcohol or drugs. To request a crash report you can call Delaware State Police at (302)739-5931

3.    You did not take pictures at the crash scene.

A verbal description of what occurred, and even the police report does not paint as comprehensive a picture as actual photo of the scene would. If your injuries do not prevent it, take as many pictures of the scene as you can, and even shoot video if your phone has that capability. Photos and video at the crash scene makes valuable evidence later when your Delaware car accident lawyer is preparing your case.

4.    You did not speak to witnesses at the accident scene.

The testimony of a bystander who witnessed the crash, and who is unrelated to you or the other parties in the crash, and who has nothing to gain financially can share useful information about what they saw. Unbiased witness testimony, when it is admissible, can bolster your case.

5.    You are considering pursuing your injury claim without hiring an attorney.

A skilled Delaware car accident attorney has a thorough understanding of the legal system, they know how to negotiate effectively with insurance companies, and they spend their days helping countless clients like you win the compensation you deserve. Why try to take on such a complex undertaking, when you can have a professional advocate who will protect your rights and use their expertise to your advantage?

If you were injured by a negligent driver and you want justice, we invite you to contact Silverman, McDonald & Friedman by calling 302-888-2900 or filling out our contact form right away. Our car crash attorneys in Wilmington, Newark, and Seaford help clients obtain full and fair compensation after a car accident in Delaware. We are here to fight for you.